MACC asking Germany for info on luxury car seizures
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed that it has sent a request for information from German authorities on the seizure of four Bugatti Veyron sports cars linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said on Oct 26, 2022, the commission had requested for information from German authorities about the 1MDB bond funds used to purchase luxury cars in Germany.
He said in light of the recent development, MACC submitted a request for updated information from German authorities.
He said the commission began probing the matter in 2020.
“It started when MACC made a mutual legal assistance request to Switzerland to obtain information about frozen assets related to the 1MDB case in November 2020.
“This was followed by a meeting with the Swiss attorney-general’s office in 2021 about 50 luxury cars linked to 1MDB.”
German daily Bild reported that police seized four special edition Bugatti Veyron cars from a private storage facility in Munich linked to the 1MDB scandal.
The seized supercars are part of the exclusive “Legends” series, with only 18 cars produced.
The four cars are the Rembrandt, Black Bess, Jean-Pierre Wimille and Meo Constantini editions of the Veyron. Each car retailed for around US$3 million.
Bild reported that the cars were rarely sold and usually not sold at public auctions.
“The cars were located and seized by members of the Criminal Investigation Department 7, which specialises in white-collar crimes,” Bild reported.
It said the cars were parked at the Motorworld Munich carpark during an automotive show.
The 1MDB scandal has led to criminal investigations in several countries, involving politicians, bankers and Hollywood stars.
It is learnt that MACC and police were looking into the seizure of the Bugatti Veyron cars.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police were ready to assist in the matter.
“Any assistance required from police will be provided.”